Best Hand Priming Tool for Reloading | Top Reviews of 2018

If you are using shell casings which you bought a few years ago, then you may know that it is the time prime & reload them. Yes, you can purchase pre-primed shells from the market, but they can be costly. So, I recommend you to do this process by yourself. And a good-quality hand priming tool can help you to finish the reloading job quite comfortably. Today, I am going to provide the reviews of the best priming tools to make your selection task easier. But before that, let’s check what exactly is a hand primer.

How does a hand priming tool work?

If you are a gunsmithing hero, then you most probably know about the hand primer tool. So, I will not go into the deep of it. Basically, a hand priming tool eases the reloading setup. It helps to get decent primer pockets after you clean the cases. Depending on the casing of the caliber, this handy equipment helps to prime the shell casing and makes it ready for firing. For this preparation, a little bit of gunpowder is placed on the projectile base. A hand primer is favorite these days mostly because of its flexibility and portability.

List of Best Hand Priming Tool for Reloading

1) LEE PRECISION New Auto Prime

I placed this tool at the top of the list because it has the best combination of top features and affordable price. The ‘New Auto Prime XR’ from LEE PRECISION is a budget priming tool which makes your reloading job easy and quick.

Pros

Made in the USA, so there is no compromise with the build quality

Cheaper price & top-quality work compared to other models

Safer, reliable, and faster operation of the shell casing

Compatible with all brands of primers

Minimal chance of primer detonation and chain reactions

Cons

The least ergonomic model which needs only a thumb for priming

Plastic parts make it fussy

2) RCBS Universal 90201 Hand Priming Tool

This RCBS universal priming product is one of the most renowned tools among the gun smithers. This equipment will save your money if you are a professional or planning to use it for years. It is has combined features of two separate hand priming tools from the company.

Pros

Universal adaptability allows you to use any caliber shell

No need of shell holders

Virtually eliminates the tray detonation possibility

Removable primer tray which fits any primer packaging

Accessories for using small & large gun primers

Accepts cases from .32 ACP to .45-70 Government

Cons

Expensive compared to other products in the same category

Less ergonomic design can make it a little bit difficult for new users

3) Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Hand Deprimer Tool

The new innovative design from the Frankford Arsenal leads this hand deprimer tool to the third place on the list. It has easily removable parts which help to make your reloading task convenient.

Pros

A versatile tool which can work with pistol/rifle brass & all other military crimped primers

Ability to deprime anytime, anywhere by avoiding the hand fatigue

The spring loaded handle automatically backs to the start position

The full length ergonomic designed grip makes it durable & sturdy

Range from .20 caliber to .338 caliber

Cons

It works only with the boxer primers

You may need to use crimped brass for de-priming

4) LEE PRECISION Auto Bench Prime

This product is the best bench mount hand primer available in the market today. If you are not a professional or do not want to feel exhausted after priming a few shell cases only, then I recommend you to go with this auto bench prime tool from LEE PRECISION.

Pros

One of the most ergonomic tools for priming

Due to the plastic parts, you can easily view the A to Z process

Quickly prime hundreds of shells without any discomfort

Top-rated features and still available at an affordable price

Easier and convenient operation

Cons

Not portable

Must be bench mounted for use

5) RCBS 9460 Auto Priming Tool

RCBS introduced this auto priming tool which works efficiently with a plethora of casing varieties. The 9460 priming tool has a lightweight design so you can carry it anywhere you want. This package includes two feed tubes as well as a couple of rod assemblies for priming.

Pros

Made in the US, so quality guaranteed

A single-stage lever system makes it unique, fast, and precise

The portable design is user-friendly

Flawless feed for all shell types

The primer tube can hold up to 100 primers

Cons

The high price may lead some users not to make it their first choice

During the test, the primer failed to transfer the shells for reloading. But that was only on a few occasions.

6) Lyman E-ZEE Universal Priming Tool

The E-ZEE universal prime tool from Lyman works with all types of standard shell casings. It has two primer trays to hold small & large primer assemblies. You can have an instant change-over for the size of shell holders which makes it more flexible compared to other products in the market.

Pros

Ergonomic design makes it comfortable for both professionals as well as occasional users

No any small part of creating the fuss

Reduces hand fatigue, mainly when you work with thousands of primers

The inbuilt shut-off gate on the tray makes the primer sustained during the change-over

Sturdy yet simple design for the ease of operation

Cons

Expensive compared to LEE products

Not ergonomically designed

Final words

A hand priming tool for reloading is the best way of saving few bucks and getting the job done conveniently. Once you deprime the casings, the ammo priming & reloading processes can be quickly done using such equipment. All the products in this list are standard & efficient, but I recommend to use loading blocks too for your casings as well as protective gears for your eyes, ears, and hands.

All of the tools listed here are great and worth the money. But, which is your favorite? Let me and other users know through the comment section below.